It’s hard to be objective about some figures based on the lens of nostaglia.

I discovered G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero at my local KB Toys back in 1982. As a kid I was volunteering at used book sale for our animal shelter that was at our local mall. Our table was stationed right outside of KB and so when I was done for the afternoon my folks let me go in and pick out one item as a reward for giving up my Saturday to help the shelter. It was there on that fateful day that my eyes came to rest on the original VAMP with Clutch. It was my first G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy and I’ve had a soft spot for the VAMP and it’s charismatic driver ever since.

As such, it’s hard to be objective here simply because Clutch has always been a favorite of him. Continue reading →

Talk about a Friday surprise– the G.I. Joe Collector’s Club dropped the roster for G.I. Joe FSS 8 today! Even more surprising– they’re taking orders NOW!

Without further adieu– here’s the details from the Club:

G.I. JOE FIGURE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE 8.0
The final Figure Subscription Set…with all new figures!ORDER NOW!

Our GIJCC Figure Subscription Service 8.0 is an optional separate purchase if you are an active member of the G.I. Joe Collectors’ Club. You can subscribe now through the May 2nd, 2018 deadline!

We are very excited to offer the eighth and final limited edition GIJCC FSS (Figure Subscription Service). This assortment contains a variety of club member requested characters from all eras of the 3 3/4-inch G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series. It includes classic 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s, international, and many never previously released characters to add to your modern era action figure collection. Upon successful completion, you will also receive a BONUS mystery 13th carded action figure with the last shipment.

Each single carded action figure features the highly articulated modern era sculpts with weapons and accessories for them to accomplish any mission!

Here are the twelve upcoming previews of this amazing line-up in random order:

NOTE: These modern era club exclusive action figures will not be exact replicas of their vintage counterparts.All images are Photoshop mock-up representations, final product, accessories and/or colors will vary!

The cost of the twelve-figure subscription service is $384.00 (+ shipping for 6 shipments). You can pay all at once or in three installments of $128.00 (billed to your credit card). When you subscribe and choose to pay by Installment, you will be billed for the first two month’s shipments. Then in October 2018, you will be billed for the 3rd and 4th months’ shipments and finally in December 2018, you will be billed for the final two months’ shipments. Upon subscription completion, you will receive a bonus carded 13th mystery figure with the last shipment.
Please note that for the installment payment option, there is a $6 service charge per billing while the pay in full option has one $6 service charge. Please also note that for installment buyers, there is an additional charge each time a billing is attempted if your card is not approved. If your card has been declined and we have to re-bill, we will only be able to retry your billing three (3) times before your subscription is cancelled. Each retry has an additional fee added to your total charge (please see the Terms and Conditions.)

This Figure Subscription Service is a “build to order process” so you can order as many as you like, until the order period closes. At that time, we will not process any more subscriptions and we may/may not have additional figures in the club store at a higher per figure price.

Please note that the figure previews are Photoshop mock-ups and the final product may vary. Also, the colors are approximate as some may look more glossy or metallic on your monitor screen and everyone’s computer has a different color calibration.

Final figures colors/names/accessories will vary from the descriptions and preview pictures.

I feel like this has to come with a disclaimer– I am not actually attending G.I. Joe Convention 2014 this year. However, thanks to some folks who are, I’ve had some pretty regular updates as to the status of many of the exclusives. So, here’s the rundown on the pieces that are offered for this year.

Zombie Initiative Set – Limited Run: AVAILABLE

Usually by this point at the convention, the 1:18 set is completely sold out. However, possibly due to late registration or other factors, the Zombie Initiative 15 piece is still available for attendees who haven’t previously registered.

Steel Brigade Pilot and VTOL – Limited Run of 800: SOLD OUT

This one caught a lot of folks by surprise with its hybrid design of both the 25th Sky Hawk and the later Pursuit of Cobra Ghost Hawk. Plus, as I was told by one particular Steel Brigade fan, “the camouflage on the pilot is AWESOME.”

Cobra Septic Tank HISS – Limited Run of 800: AVAILABLE

This is an interesting spin on the original Septic Tank HISS based on the DTC HISS frame. No pilot is included but it’s still there for a few more hours today at least.

Clutch seems to be inspired by the much-desired concept case version from a few years ago while Ice Storm was an obscure Rise of Cobra vehicle pilot. Together- they fight zombies! Clutch seems to be the big draw of this particular set which will most likely sell out before the weekend is over.

Steel Brigade Zombie 3- Pack – Limited Run of 1,000: SOLD OUT

This is one that I can guarantee will sell out this weekend. Sure, it’s mostly just the Pursuit of Cobra Steel Brigade figure with Zombie Viper arms and a new head, but it’s a troop-builder pack and the only one that is available. Plus, given the prices that these are going for on Ebay, attendees looking to make a quick buck will be snatching the remaining ones quickly.

Night Force Paratrooper Crazy Legs – Limited Run of 1,000: SOLD OUT

That’s right kids– this year’s parachute figure is actually part of LAST year’s set! Due to logistics at the event in Indy, the paratrooper was changed to a Kre-O figure in 2013 but it would seem that the Club had already produced these guys. Rather than offering them up to 2013 attendees to complete their sets, Crazy Legs was put on hold and used this year. Apparently these sold out before all of the Golden Ticket holders could get through the line and, given the going rate on Ebay for them now, it would seem that the bulk of these figures were intended for re-sale. Good luck getting one– they’re currently trending over $100.00 each.

I have to admit that I have a LOT of fan boy love for this particular figure. Based on his classic first appearance in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic series published by Marvel Comics, this figure is essentially a Marvel Universe Professor Xavier with a 1:18 Adventure Team head and I love every bit of him! He’s going for big prices on Ebay but hopefully he’ll still be available for folks during and even after the con!

Currently I don’t have any information regarding the status of the Kre-0 multi-pack nor the carded Cross Country figures but I’ll update as I find out more.